March 6, 2026

Trading Desk Insights

Macro data triggered a sharp reaction across risk assets on Friday as Bitcoin slipped back below the $70,000 level following a disappointing U.S. employment report. Nonfarm payrolls showed the economy lost roughly 92,000 jobs in February, sharply diverging from expectations for a gain of around 58,000. The unemployment rate also ticked higher to 4.4%, reinforcing the view that the U.S. labor market is beginning to weaken after several months of resilience. Under normal conditions, softer labor data would support risk assets by strengthening expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. However, markets appear unconvinced that policymakers will shift course quickly.

Interest rate expectations remain relatively hawkish despite the weakening data. Pricing from CME’s FedWatch tool continues to show a low probability of a near term rate cut at the March 18 Federal Reserve meeting, with markets currently expecting only one rate reduction throughout 2026. This disconnect between deteriorating economic data and stubbornly tight monetary policy expectations has weighed on broader risk sentiment. U.S. equities moved lower alongside Bitcoin, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both declining around 1–1.5% during the session.

From a market structure perspective, Bitcoin continues to struggle to hold breakouts above its recent trading range. The latest move toward $71,000 was quickly rejected, marking another instance where price briefly moved above range resistance before retracing. Similar deviations have occurred multiple times over the past few months, suggesting that liquidity above the range is repeatedly being used as an exit point for traders rather than a catalyst for sustained upside. As a result, price action has once again rotated back toward key technical reference levels.

Traders may continue to treat rallies as short term deviations rather than confirmed breakouts. For now, the broader structure reflects a market caught between weakening macro conditions that could eventually support liquidity driven upside and persistent caution from participants unwilling to aggressively add risk before clearer signals from the Federal Reserve emerge.

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Disclaimer

This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.

Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Secure Digital Markets does not represent that the report contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Secure Digital Markets and their officers, directors and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.

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